Capture-recapture methodology is used in Ecology to estimate the total size of wild animal populations. This method can be used in Epidemiology to estimate the incidence and prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in a relatively inexpensive and quick way. Surveillance systems based on the use of this methodology are a potential alternative for monitoring non-communicable diseases in Brazil. This paper presents a brief review of fundamental capture-recapture methodology and its applications to Epidemiology. We also present a theoretical model for implementation of a diabetes mellitus surveillance system in the elderly using publicly available morbidity and mortality data sources and the capture-recapture methodology.